Game review

David White

Published 4:00 am, Monday, December 14, 2009

OFFENSE

With quarterback Bruce Gradkowski playing in the first half, the offense had 188 net yards, 140 by air, with three sacks avoided by scrambling. With JaMarcus Russell playing in the second half, it had 39 net yards, 22 by air, with no sacks avoided. The line got used to Gradkowski avoiding trouble with his feet, and didn't adjust to an anchor in the pocket. Once Gradkowski was injured, the running game vanished, the protection crumbled and the wide receivers went all but unused. So this is why they made a QB change.

DEFENSE

They blitzed 13 times, winning more than they lost. They stuffed the run, making the Redskins earn all 100 yards the hard way. But, oh, those missed tackles. Three sacks were lost by whiffs. Middle linebacker Kirk Morrison and safety Mike Mitchell got abused on touchdown throws to tight end Fred Davis. Washington quarterback Jason Campbell twice drew the Raiders offside on hard counts. Seventeen points in the fourth quarter points to a defense with no interest in finishing strong.

SPECIAL TEAMS

Kick-returner Gary Russell for 41 yards, punt-returner Johnnie Lee Higgins for 19. Too bad Raiders coach Tom Cable didn't send out Sebastian Janikowski for a 66-yard attempt at the end of the first half until there were 14 seconds on the play clock. He might have nailed it if not for the rushed snap.

COACHING

OK, you can't blame the head coach for the quarterback getting hurt. Tom Cable utilized running back Darren McFadden in the slot and split snaps at receiver between Higgins and Louis Murphy. Defensive coordinator John Marshall blitzed and nickel-packaged all game. Special-teams coordinator John Fassel went for two punt blocks, but cost the team with his arguing.

OVERALL

The Raiders lose their No. 3 quarterback from training camp, and all is lost? Wow. The Raiders have been outscored 119-23 in the four games they've played following wins. Way to handle success.